A Review on Multi-criteria Decision Analysis in the Life Cycle Assessment of Electricity Generation Systems

Abstract

Strategic planning of energy matrices have become more complex with the increase in electricity demand and the need for reducing the impacts generated by human activities. Thus, the techniques of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) have been used to support sustainable decisions. By means of a systematic search in the literature a research gap on this subject has been identified. Therefore, the objective of the present paper is to identify how LCA and MCDA are being used in the choice of technologies to be used in the expansion of electricity generation capacity. To that end, it was conducted a literature review to assess the state-of-the-art literature. The Methodi Ordinatio was used to rank the main studies in the addressed theme. The articles were analyzed according to 5 criteria: Multi-Criteria model, Technical and Sustainability Indicators, Location, Application and Life Cycle Impact Assessment methods. Results show the most used MCDA methods, the LCA assumptions, the most addressed approaches, as well as the locations where the studies were conducted and the technologies that showed better performance. The methods and topics researched suggest that the concern with sustainability of each technology and life cycle thinking has been being incorporated to the analyses and planning of energy systems. Moreover, this study may be helpful to decision-makers on promoting environmentally more sustainable actions. Nevertheless, this piece of research contributes to the Sustainable Developments Goal number 7, proposed by the United Nations, providing insights and investigating paths for an “affordable and clean energy”.